A new M Series BMW is always an eagerly anticipated event among automobile enthusiasts and for the latest, the BMW 1 M Coupe, it is no different.
It’s all here: the BMW 1 M is wider, more muscular than the 1 Series Coupe on which it is based, and carries BMW M indicators such as M side 'gills', dual twin exhausts, and flared wheel arches.
However, it’s under the bonnet where the small sports coupe can have car fans catching their breath. Powering the vehicle is an in-line six-cylinder engine boasting twin turbo parallel turbo charging with two equal-size exhaust turbochargers.
POWERTRAIN
Based on BMW's multi award-winning three-litre motor, this M power plant pumps up output to 250 kW, at the same time making 450 Nm of torque available from just 1500 rpm, with an additional 50 Nm on tap through an overboost function.
There’s little argument with the BMW claim that the car can reach 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 250 km/h. The maker also comes up with combined urban/highway fuel consumption of 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres, and carbon dioxide emissions of 224g per kilometre, giving it Euro V status.
Fuel savings come with the best of BMW's EfficientDynamics technology standard on the BMW 1 Series M Coupe. Included are precision petrol injection, brake energy regeneration and the ability to neutralise auxiliary functions when not needed.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
However, figures don’t present a just picture. There’s more to this car than that. Press the start button on the dashboard and the passenger cabin is filled with a deep resonance from the six finely tuned cylinders firing up.This automotive oratorio plays all the way up the rev range through to the 7000 rpm red line. A stupendous sound, in itself worth the price of a ticket.
Power is put to the road via a new six-speed manual transmission which, at 43 kg, is lighter than the conventional gearbox and allows the driver to make the best of the car’s acceleration with short, crisp, throws of the stubby gear lever. Optimum shift points, suggested unobtrusively by the instrumentation, are take it or leave it in the best ‘driver knows best’ tradition.Chassis technology comes straight from motorsport using bits developed for the M3 and tweaked during lengthy testing on the Nurburgring. Aluminium is used extensively, especially on the rear suspension and axle.
The latter is fitted with an M differential lock with up to 100 per cent locking. Torque is sent to the side it is most needed and is welcome when accelerating out of corners. Once again out of the motorsport bag, high performance lightweight brakes - 360 mm front and 350 mm rear – have staying power even under the most arduous conditions. Fading, for the most part, is absent.
SAFETY
There’s a swag of safety systems, both active and passive, to keep the M Coupe on an even keel. Actively, occupants are taken care of by Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which incorporates ABS antilock braking, slip control system (ASC) which prevents the wheels from spinning on roads with reduced grip, brake assist Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), drive-off assist which prevents the vehicle rolling backwards when moving off on inclines, and Cornering Brake Control (CBC) which regulates brake force distribution on bends.
DSC also compensates for fading at high brake temperatures by increasing brake pressure. Regular dry braking removes any damp from the discs. Passive features include front, pelvis-thorax and side curtain head airbags, three-point automatic seatbelts for all seats with belt force limiters and belt tensioners at the front.
Thanks to BMW’s M Dynamic Mode, those wishing to dance with the devil can up the threshold at which the DSC cuts in on cornering via a button on the central dashboard and enjoy (?) the vagaries of a suspension, and possibly driver, under stress.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Far from following in the BMW 1 M Coupe’s exciting performance footsteps, the cabin surroundings are rather sombre. Black Boston leather is the standard upholstery throughout the exterior colour palette. Dark grey suede-like Alcantara inserts on the dash and doors offer little contrast, the only highlights being orange stitching on the leather and the odd glint of brushed metal on knobs and door handles. Likewise, the boot is a deep, dark hole, but it can carry a reasonable load of luggage.
Strictly a four-seater, rear occupants are looked after in twin bucket sports seats with a small storage section in between. While supportive during spirited driving, the seats offer little room to stretch the legs. At a manufacturer’s list price of $99,900, specification is of a high standard, offering satellite navigation, voice recognition, internet connectivity, remote alarm, adaptive xenon headlights, Harman Kardon surround sound system, M servotronic, M Drive, and 19-inch M Y-spoke light alloy wheels.
With all the hundred cars of the initial Aussie allocation flying ‘off the shelves’ BMW has rummaged around and come up with a hundred more vehicles from who knows where. There’s still a lengthy waiting list. Everything about the 1 Series M Coupe is quick. Even BMW Group Australia managing director Phil Horton has been moved to claim it would become an instant classic. Fair comment.
PRICE AND SPECIFICATION
BMW 1 Series 3.0 M Coupe $99,900
(Manufacturer’s list price, not including government and dealer charges)
ENGINE
Type: 3 litre turbocharged
Cylinders: Straight six/four valves per cylinder
Displacement: 2979 cc
Stroke/bore: 89.6/84 mm
Compression ratio: 10.2/1
Fuel system: BMW twin power turbo, direct injection
Maximum power: 250 kW/5900 rpm
Maximum torque: 450 Nm/1500-4500 rpm (500 Nm with overboost)
Fuel: 91 RON (min)
Transmission: Six-speed manual.
DIMENSIONS
Overall length: 4380 mm
Overall width: 1803 mm
Overall height: 1420 mm
Wheelbase: 2496mm
Track width, front/rear: 1541/1541 mm
Turning circle: 11.5 m
Kerb weight: 1495 kg
Cargo capacity: 370 litres
Fuel tank capacity: 53 litres (approx)
PERFORMANCE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION
Acceleration 0-100km/h: 4.9 sec
Max speed: 250 km/h limited
Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 9.6 litres/100 km; CO2 emissions, 224 g/km
RUNNING GEAR
Suspension: (front) Aluminium double pivot spring-strut axle with trailing link; small positive kingpin offset; lateral force compensation; brake dive reduction.
(rear) Five-link axle in lightweight construction, with drive-off and brake-dive compensation.
Brakes, front/rear: Servotronic. Discs, vented and perforated. ABS, Emergency Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, cornering brake control.
Steering: Rack-and-pinion power steering with Servotronic
Wheels (front/rear): Light alloy. 9J x 19E-H2 S 31/10J x 19E-H2 S 25
Tyres (front/rear): 245/35 R19 93Y XL/265/35 R19 98Y XL
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 5.5/10
Air Pollution Rating: 7.5/10
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